Optical sensors for monitoring and control of plant growth systems

Optical chemical sensors have been developed for monitoring several parameters relevant to plant growth systems. These sensors utilize porous polymer and porous glass as the sensing element, and optical fiber input/output lines connected to a custom optoelectronic interface. Present in the sensing element are immobilized colorimetric indicators, which react with the analyte to be sensed. This reaction results in a change in the optical properties of the sensor. These sensors are particularly suited to in-situ monitoring of nutrient solution parameters and atmospheric trace contaminants in life support and plant growth systems. Sensors for monitoring pH, ammonia, and ethylene will be discussed.